Forceps with intentionally misaligned pin

ABSTRACT

A forceps having at least a first jaw with a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The first jaw can include a body portion, a first flange, a second flange and a cam pin. The first flange can define a first cam slot with a longitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis. The second flange can be spaced from the first flange a distance transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first jaw and can have a second cam slot. The cam pin, with a longitudinal axis, can be moveably secured within the first cam slot and the second cam slot. A diameter of the cam pin can be less than a width between a first longitudinal edge that defines a first side of each of the first cam slot and the second cam slot and a second longitudinal edge that defines a second opposing side of each of the first cam slot and the second cam slot so that the cam pin is moveably received by both the first cam slot and the second cam slot. With the first jaw pivoted to at least a first position, the cam pin and first flange can be configured such that the first longitudinal edge is contacted by the cam pin but the second longitudinal edge is spaced from the cam pin. The cam pin and second flange can be configured such that the first longitudinal edge is spaced from the cam pin but the second longitudinal edge is contacted by the cam pin.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/829,182 filed Mar. 25, 2020, entitled, “FORCEPS WITH INTENTIONALLYMISALIGNED PIN”, which claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 62/826,532,filed on Mar. 29, 2019, entitled “BLADE ASSEMBLY FOR FORCEPS”; U.S. Ser.No. 62/826,522 filed on Mar. 29, 2019, entitled “SLIDER ASSEMBLY FORFORCEPS”; U.S. Ser. No. 62/841,476, filed on May 1, 2019, entitled“FORCEPS WITH CAMMING JAWS”; and U.S. Ser. No. 62/994,220, filed Mar.24, 2020, entitled “FORCEPS DEVICES AND METHODS”, the disclosures ofeach of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, tosurgical devices such as a forceps device, and more particularly, to aforceps device having an actuatable jaw that has a stabilized cam pin.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to surgical devices such as a forceps device.Forceps devices (hereinafter referred to simply as forceps), includingbut not limited to electrosurgical forceps, are often used for surgicalprocedures such as laparoscopic surgeries. The forceps can be used tomanipulate, engage, grasp, or otherwise interact with anatomicalfeatures, such as a vessel or other tissue.

Forceps can include an end effector that is one or more of: rotatable,openable, closeable, extendable, and capable of supplyingelectromagnetic energy. For example, jaws located at a distal end of theforceps can be actuated via elements at a handpiece of the forceps tocause the jaws to open and close to engage a vessel or other tissue.Forceps may also include a blade, or other end effector type device.

OVERVIEW

Illustrative forceps having an actuatable jaw or jaws facilitated by oneor more of flanges with cam slots, a misaligned cam pin and/or amisaligned pivot pin are described herein. The present inventors haverecognized there is a need for improved forceps by reducing wobble ofthe jaws, for example. Thus, the present inventors have recognizedvarious examples to stabilize the jaws to reduce wobble.

Example 1 is a forceps that can optionally include a first jaw. Thefirst jaw can have a longitudinal axis. The first jaw can optionallyinclude a body portion, a first flange, a second flange and a cam pin.The first flange can be coupled to the body portion and can define afirst cam slot with a longitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis.The second flange can be coupled to the body portion and spaced from thefirst flange a distance transverse to the longitudinal axis of the firstjaw. The second flange can have a second cam slot. The cam pin can havea longitudinal axis. The cam pin can be moveably secured within thefirst cam slot and the second cam slot. A diameter of the cam pin can beless than a width between a first longitudinal edge that defines a firstside of each of the first cam slot and the second cam slot and a secondlongitudinal edge that defines a second opposing side of each of thefirst cam slot and the second cam slot so that the cam pin is moveablyreceived by both the first cam slot and the second cam slot. Optionally,with the first jaw pivoted to at least a first position, the cam pin andfirst flange can be configured such that the first longitudinal edge canbe contacted by the cam pin but the second longitudinal edge can bespaced from the cam pin, and wherein the cam pin and second flange canbe configured such that the first longitudinal edge can be spaced fromthe cam pin but the second longitudinal edge can be contacted by the campin.

Example 2 is the forceps of Example 1, wherein the first flange and thesecond flange can be configured such that the longitudinal axis of thecam pin is one of offset or angled from an axis perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the first jaw.

Example 3 is the forceps of any one of Examples 1-2, wherein firstflange and the second flange can be arranged to extend substantiallyparallel to one another and each can have a longitudinal extent parallelwith and along the longitudinal axis of the first jaw.

Example 4 is the forceps of any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the firstflange can be configured to offset at least a portion of the first slotin a first direction relative to the axis perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis and the second flange, and wherein the second flangecan be configured to offset at least a portion of the second slot in asecond direction, opposite the first direction, relative to the axisperpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Example 5 is the forceps of any one of Examples 1-4, wherein the firstflange can be differently configured relative to the second flange toprovide the first cam slot with at least one of a different size, shapeor orientation with respect to the second cam slot.

Example 6 is the forceps of any one of Examples 1-5, wherein the cam pinand the first flange can be configured such that the first longitudinaledge can be contacted by the cam pin and the second longitudinal edgecan be spaced from the cam pin for only a portion of the longitudinalextent of the first cam slot.

Example 7 is the forceps of Example 6, wherein the cam pin and thesecond flange can be configured such that the first longitudinal edgecan be spaced from the cam pin and the second longitudinal edge can becontacted by the cam pin for only a portion of the longitudinal extentof the first cam slot.

Example 8 is the forceps of any one of Examples 1-7, wherein the firstflange can have a first aperture spaced from the first cam slot and thesecond flange can have a second aperture spaced from the second camslot. The first aperture and the second aperture can be configured toreceive a pivot pin that defines a pivot axis for the first jaw to pivotbetween the first position and a second position, and the first aperturecan be offset relative to the second aperture by a distance in adirection that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first jaw.

Example 9 is the forceps of any one of Examples 1-7, wherein the firstflange can have a first aperture spaced from the first cam slot and thesecond flange can have a second aperture spaced from the second camslot, the first aperture and the second aperture can be configured toreceive a pivot pin that defines a pivot axis for the first jaw to pivotbetween the first position and a second position, and the pivot axis canbe oriented at a non-parallel orientation with respect to thelongitudinal axis of the cam pin.

Example 10 is the forceps of any one of Examples 1-7, further optionallycomprising: a first journal coupled to the first flange; a secondjournal coupled to the second flange; and a pivot pin received by thefirst journal and the second journal, wherein the pivot pin can define apivot axis for the first jaw, and wherein the first journal can beoffset relative to the second journal by a distance in a direction thatis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first jaw.

Example 11 is the forceps of any one of Examples 1-10, furtheroptionally comprising: a second jaw having a second longitudinal axis; athird flange coupled to the second jaw and having a third cam slot,wherein the third flange is arranged to extend substantially parallel tothe first flange; and a fourth flange spaced from the third flange adistance and coupled to the second jaw, wherein the fourth flange canhave a fourth cam slot and can be arranged to extend substantiallyparallel to the second flange. Optionally, the cam pin can be moveablysecured within the third cam slot and the fourth cam slot, the diameterof the cam pin can be less than a width between a third longitudinaledge that defines a first side of each of the third cam slot and thefourth cam slot and a fourth longitudinal edge that defines a secondopposing side of each of the third cam slot and the fourth cam slot soas to be received by both the third cam slot and the fourth cam slot inaddition to both the first cam slot and the second cam slot.

Example 12 is the forceps of Example 11, wherein the cam pin and thethird flange can be configured such that the cam pin can be spaced fromthe third longitudinal edge of the third flange but can contact thefourth longitudinal edge of the third flange, and the cam pin and thefourth flange can be configured such that the third longitudinal edge ofthe fourth flange can be contacted by the cam pin but the cam pin can bespaced from the fourth longitudinal edge of the fourth flange.

Example 13 is the forceps of any one of Examples 11-12, furtheroptionally comprising: a handpiece configured with one or moreactuators; a tube coupled to the first and second jaws via the pivot pinthat defines the pivot axis for the first jaw about the first flange andthe second flange and the second jaw about the third flange and thefourth flange; and a shaft arranged inward of the tube, wherein theshaft can be configured to traverse to move the cam pin back and forthwithin the first cam slot, the second cam slot, the third cam slot andthe fourth cam slot to drive the first and second jaws between an openposition and a closed position.

Example 14 is a forceps optionally including a first jaw. The first jawcan have a longitudinal axis. The first jaw can optionally include afirst flange, a second flange, a cam pin and a pivot pin. The firstflange can be coupled to the first jaw and can have a first cam slot anda first aperture spaced from the first cam slot. The second flange canbe spaced from the first flange a distance and can be coupled to thefirst jaw. The second flange can define a second cam slot. The cam pincan be moveably secured within the first cam slot and the second camslot and can have a diameter less than a width of both the first camslot and the second cam slot so as to be received by both the first camslot and the second cam slot. The pivot pin can be coupled with thefirst flange and the second flange via the first aperture and the secondaperture and can define a pivot axis for the first jaw about the firstflange and the second flange. The pivot axis can be oriented at anon-parallel orientation with respect to a longitudinal axis of the campin.

Example 15 is the forceps of Example 14, wherein one of the pivot axisof the pivot pin or the longitudinal axis of the cam pin can be angledwith respect to an axis perpendicular to and intersecting with thelongitudinal axis of the first jaw.

Example 16 is the forceps of Example 14, wherein, with the first jawpivoted to at least a first position about the pivot pin and the cam pinreceived in the first cam slot, the first jaw and cam pin can beconfigured such that the cam pin can be spaced from a first edge of thefirst flange that defines a first side of the first cam slot butcontacts a second edge of the first flange that defines a second side ofthe first cam slot, the second side opposing the first side.

Example 17 is the forceps of any one of Examples 14-16, wherein the campin and second flange can be configured such that a first longitudinaledge of the second flange that defines the second cam slot can be spacedfrom the cam pin but a second longitudinal edge opposing the firstlongitudinal edge across the second cam slot can be contacted by the campin

Example 18 is a forceps that optionally includes a first jaw with alongitudinal axis. The first jaw can have a first cam slot with alongitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis. The first jaw can havea cam pin moveably secured within the first cam slot and having alongitudinal axis. Optionally, with the first jaw pivoted to at least afirst position and the cam pin can be received in the first cam slot,the first jaw and the cam pin can be configured such that the cam pincan be spaced from a first edge of the first jaw that defines a firstside of the first cam slot but can contact a second edge of the firstjaw that defines a second side of the first cam slot, the second sideopposing the first side. A centerline axis of the first cam slot can beangled relative to the longitudinal axis of the cam pin such that thecam pin can be misaligned with the first cam slot.

Example 19 is the forceps of Example 18, wherein the centerline axis offirst cam slot can be offset from the longitudinal axis of the cam pinsuch that the cam pin can be misaligned with the first cam slot.

Example 20 is the forceps of any one of Examples 18-19, wherein thefirst jaw can have a first aperture spaced from the first cam slot, thefirst aperture can be configured to receive a pivot pin that defines apivot axis for the first jaw to pivot between the first position and asecond position. The pivot axis can be oriented at a non-parallelorientation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cam pin.

Example 21 is any one or combination of the Examples or elements of theExamples 1-20.

This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter ofthe present patent application. It is not intended to provide anexclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detaileddescription is included to provide further information about the presentpatent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsmay describe similar components in different views. Like numerals havingdifferent letter suffixes may represent different instances of similarcomponents. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, butnot by way of limitation, various examples discussed in the presentdocument.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a forceps having jaws according to an exampleof the present application.

FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of a distal portion of the forceps of FIG. 1illustrating the jaws and other components according to an example ofthe present application.

FIG. 2 is yet a further enlarged view of a portion of the forcepsshowing flanges of the jaws coupled with a shaft of the forcepsaccording to an example of the present application.

FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the portion of theforceps of FIG. 2 showing the cam pin disposed within the cam slots andthe cam slots having gaps of substantially equal size with respect tothe cam pin to facilitate movement of the cam pin within the cam slotsaccording to an example of the present application.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of one jaw of the forceps of FIGS.1-2 shown in isolation from a remainder of the forceps according to anexample of the present application.

FIG. 4A is a first side view of a portion of a jaw according to a secondexample, the jaw having a designed offset of a first cam slot of a firstflange from a second cam slot of a second flange of the jaw according toan example of the present application.

FIG. 4B is a second side view of the portion of the jaw of FIG. 4A froman opposing side thereof.

FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the jaw of FIGS. 4A and4B illustrating the offset in the first cam slot of the first flange ofthe jaw from the second cam slot of the second flange of the jawaccording to an example of the present application.

FIG. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the arrangement of FIG.5A further illustrating a misalignment of a cam pin relative to thefirst cam slot and the second cam slot that results from the offset ofFIGS. 4A and 4B according to an example of the present application.

FIG. 6A is a first side view of a portion of a jaw according to a thirdexample, the jaw having a designed offset of a first cam slot of a firstflange from a second cam slot of a second flange of the jaw for only aportion of a longitudinal extent of the first cam slot and the secondcam slot according to an example of the present application.

FIG. 6B is a second side view of the portion of the jaw of FIG. 6A froman opposing side thereof

FIG. 7 is a first side view the jaw according to a fourth example, thejaw having an offset of a first pivot aperture of a first flange of thejaw from a second pivot aperture of a second flange of the jaw accordingto an example of the present application.

FIG. 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the jaw of FIG. 7illustrating the offset in the first pivot aperture of the first flangeof the jaw from the second pivot aperture of the second flange of thejaw according to an example of the present application.

FIG. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the arrangement of FIG.7A further illustrating a misalignment of a pivot pin and a cam pin thatresults from the offset of FIG. 7A according to an example of thepresent application.

FIG. 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a jawillustrating an offset between journals coupled to the first flange andthe second flange according to an example of the present application.

FIG. 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the arrangement of FIG.8A further illustrating a misalignment of a pivot pin that results fromthe offset of the journals of FIG. 8A according to an example of thepresent application.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a jawillustrating misalignment of a cam pin relative to a pivot pin withinthe first flange and the second flange of the jaw according to anexample of the present application.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the jaws and flanges ofFIG. 2 illustrating a first offset in a first cam slot of a first flangeof a first jaw from a second cam slot of a second flange of the firstjaw and illustrating a second offset in a third cam slot of a thirdflange of a second jaw from a fourth cam slot of a fourth flange of thesecond jaw according to an example of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to a surgical device such as forcepsthat allows a surgeon to operate an end effector such as jaws of thedevice. It is contemplated that the disclosed concepts such as themisalignment of the pivot pin and/or cam pin within a respectiveaperture or relative to one another can be used in other devices andother components besides forceps, surgical devices and end effectors.For example, the forceps and concepts herein are applicable to any typeof device, surgical or otherwise, such as devices that facilitateactuation of an end effector(s) or other element(s). Any representationof a forceps or indeed a surgical device or description herein is shownprimarily for illustrative purposes to disclose features of variousexamples and to provide an example of an apparatus that can benefit fromthe misalignment of the pivot pin and/or cam pin and other conceptsdisclosed herein.

According to one example, a jaw of the end effector can utilize a pin ina cam slot to open and close the jaw. Some degree of clearance isrequired between the cam slot and the pin to allow for this movement.However, this clearance can lead to play that results in the jawwobbling. To address this, some of the play or clearance can be taken upto reduce a wobble of the jaw as will be discussed further herein andillustrated in reference to FIGS. 4A-10 . For example, if the jaw hastwo flanges each with a respective cam slot, the cam pin can bemisaligned slightly with a centerline axis of one or more of the camslots so that the cam pin is placed in contact with an edge or edges ofthe slots/flanges. Thus, the cam pin can be askew or misaligned withinthe slot, for example. In an arrangement with two flanges, the cam pincan contact a first longitudinal edge of a first flange that defines ofone of the cam slots while the cam pin contacts a second longitudinaledge of a second flange that defines the second one cam slots. Suchcontact can reduce play and jaw wobbling.

In this disclosure, relative terms, such as, for example, “about”,“generally”, or “substantially” are used to indicate a possiblevariation of ±10% in a stated numeric value or within ±10° of thenumeric value.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a surgical forceps 100. The surgical forceps100 can include a handpiece 102, one or more actuators 104, a shaft 106and an end effector 108.

The handpiece 102 can be coupled to the shaft 106 at a proximal endthereof. The end effector 108 can be moveably coupled to the shaft 106at a distal end thereof. The shaft 106 can have an elongate extent andcan be configured to access a body of a patient for laparoscopic orother treatment using the end effector 108. The one or more actuators104 can be located at the handpiece 102 and can be coupled to endeffector 108 via the shaft 106, which can be configured as a hollow tube110 allowing for passage of portions of the one or more actuators 104 tothe end effector 108. Thus, the one or more actuators 104 can beconnected to and can manipulate the end effector 108.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the end effector 108 can be configured asarticulating jaws 112A and 112B (double acting jaws) configured tomanipulate, engage, grasp, or otherwise interact with anatomicalfeatures, such as a vessel or other tissue. The forceps 100 can also beconfigured as electrosurgical forceps with one or both of the jawsconfigured to apply an electrical current to the vessel or other tissueto cauterize or otherwise treat the tissue or vessel. Further detailsregarding the construction of the surgical forceps 100 can be found inthe U.S. Provisional Patent Applications incorporated by reference intheir entirety above. Thus, the embodiment of the forceps of FIGS. 1-3Bis known from these U.S. Provisional Patent Applicants and is providedherein for background in regard to the operation and construction of thefurther embodiments of the forceps described in reference to FIGS. 4A-10.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the jaws 112A and 112B of the end effector 108 canbe connected to the shaft 106 via a pivot pin 114. The forceps 100 canhave a reciprocating inner shaft 116 (part of the one or more actuators104 of FIG. 1 ) at least partially positioned within the hollow tube 110comprising the shaft 106. The inner shaft 116 can have a cam or slot campin 118 attached thereto (for example at a distal end thereof). Thus,the inner shaft 116, and the cam pin 118 thereby, can be moveablerelative to the outer shaft 106 in a translatable manner. Movement ofthe inner shaft 116 (visible through the slot 120) can traverse the campin 118 in along a longitudinal axis of the outer shaft 106 andlongitudinal axis of the jaws 112A and 112B and can move the jaws 112Aand 112B as a result of a camming action as further discussed below. Itshould be noted that the slot 120 may not be needed in all embodimentsfor function of the forceps 100 and can be provided for manufacturingpurposes as discussed in the U.S. Provisional Patent Applicationsreferenced to and incorporated above.

FIG. 2 provides an enlarged view of portions of the jaws 112A and 112B,the pivot pin 114, the distal inner shaft 116, the distal shaft 106, thecam pin 118 and the slot 124 with the arrangement and function describedabove with regard to FIG. 1A.

As shown in FIG. 2 , each of the jaws 112A and 112B may have a pair ofspaced flanges 122 (only two, one for each of the jaws 112A and 112B arevisible in FIG. 2 ). The arrangement and construction of the flanges 122will be described in further detail subsequently. According to someexamples, the pair of flanges 122 for the jaw 112A and/or jaw 112B canbe arranged generally parallel with one another (e.g., havinginterfacing generally parallel spaced inner surfaces) along alongitudinal direction but spaced by the inner shaft 116. Each of thepair of flanges 122 can be pivotably coupled to the shaft 106 via thepivot pin 114.

Each of the flanges 122 can also have a slot 124 (sometimes referred toas a cam slot herein) spaced from the pivot pin 114. The slot 124 can beconfigured to receive the cam pin 118, which can be moveably securedtherein. The cam pin 118 can have a diameter less than a width of theslot 124 so as to be moveably received by the slot 124. This differencein a diameter of the cam pin 118 to the width of the slot 124 allows thecam pin 118 of the inner shaft 116 to be moveable along the slot 124 asdiscussed below. As the inner shaft 116 moves, the cam pin 118 cantraverse along a longitudinal length of the slot 124. The cam pin 118and the inner shaft 116 (part of one or more actuators 104) can beconfigured for reciprocating movement relative to the shaft 106 suchthat the cam pin 118 can traverse the slot 124 in a reciprocatingmanner. Each slot 124 can be configured to work as cam so that as thecam pin 118 traverses the longitudinal length of the slot 124 the jawsare driven from a first open position (shown in FIG. 1A) towards and toa second closed (grasping) position or vice versa. The shape and size ofthe flanges 122 including the shape, size and arrangement of the slot124 can be configured to limit or control the degree of contact thatother portions of the jaws 112A and/or 112B can have with the vessel orother tissue being treated.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 2 , the slot 124 for each of the pair offlanges 122 can be aligned with one another and can have generally asame shape. Put another way, the slot 124 of each of the pair of flanges122 can be aligned when viewing the end effector 108 from the side asillustrated in FIGS. 1A and 2 . Thus, the slot 124 can be aligned withthe slot 124 in a direction perpendicular to a direction of alongitudinal axis of the jaws 112A and 112B (longitudinal axis LA shownin FIGS. 3A, 3B, etc.). Put another way, the slot 124 can be alignedwith the opposing slot 124, the direction of this alignment is along anaxis of the pivot pin 114. The pivot pin 114 can be secured to the outerframe comprising the outer shaft 106. Pivot bores on the flanges 112Aand 112B can be secured to the pivot pin 114. The cam pin 118 can befitted into the slot 124 on each of the pair of flanges 122.

As shown particularly in FIGS. 2 and 2A, the pins 114 and 118 can bearranged parallel with one another, the cam slots 124 can be the samesize, and can be aligned as discussed above an illustrated. Therefore,there can be an equivalent gap G between the cam pin 118 and either camslot 124. Furthermore, the gap G can be substantially the same distancebetween the cam pin 118 and a first longitudinal edge of the slot and asecond longitudinal edge of the slot as shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A.

FIG. 2A schematically illustrates the jaw 112A of FIGS. 1A and 2 . FIG.2A shows the pivot pin 114 can be coupled to the outer shaft 106. Asdiscussed previously, the outer shaft 106 can be a stationary tube. Thecam pin 118 can be moveably received within the slot 124 of the pair offlanges 122 via the gap G. The slots 124 can be arranged coaxiallyinterfacing one another across from and perpendicular relative thelongitudinal axis LA (FIGS. 3A, 3B). As shown in FIG. 2A, the cam pin118 can be arranged parallel with the pivot pin 114. The cam slots 124can be a same size and can be aligned as previously described. The gap Gcan be substantially equivalent (i.e. there can be substantially thesame distance between the cam pin 118 and opposing edges of each camslot 124) for the cam slot 124 and the cam pin 118.

It is understood that various modifications can be made to the surgicalforceps described herein. For example, the jaws may not be dual actingaccording to some examples but can rather be single acting. A singleflange can be utilized rather than a pair of flanges in some examples.Although the jaws are described as having a flange (or flanges), in somecases the jaws may not utilize a flange such that features such as theslot 124 can be directly through a body portion of the jaw itself, forexample.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show the single jaw 112A comprising one of the jaws 112Aand 112B previously described. The jaw 112A can have the pair of flanges122, a body 126 and a longitudinal axis LA. The flanges 122 can includea first flange 122A and a second flange 122B. The body 126 can includean engaging surface 128 (FIG. 3B), a proximal end 130 and a distal end132.

The pair of flanges 122 can be coupled to the body 126 at or near theproximal end 130 thereof. The pair of flanges 122 can be integral withthe body 126 such that the jaw 112A can comprise a single pieceassembly. The body 126 can be configured such as with the engagingsurface 128 to manipulate, engage, grasp, or otherwise interact withanatomical features, such as a vessel or other tissue. The engagingsurface 128, and indeed the body 126, can include features or componentsto facilitate this interaction including components and features capableof supplying electromagnetic energy to the vessel or other tissue.

As previously discussed, the first flange 122A and the second flange122B can be spaced apart from one another a distance to accommodate theinner shaft and other features of the surgical forceps, for example. Thefirst flange 122A and the second flange 122B can extend generallyparallel with one another and generally parallel to the longitudinalaxis LA. Put another way, the first flange 122A can have an innersurface 135A (FIG. 3A) that interfaces with but is spaced from an innersurface 135B (FIG. 3B) of the second flange 122B. The inner surface 135Acan extend substantially parallel with the inner surface 135B. Thelongitudinal axis LA can extend from the distal end 132 of the body 126along an elongated extent of the body 126 and can extend along anelongated extent of the first flange 122A and the second flange 122B toa proximal end 133 of each of thereof.

As previously discussed and illustrated, the pair of flanges 122 eachhave the slot 124 that is defined thereby. For further clarity, the slot124 is illustrated as first slot 124A (defined by the first flange 122A)and second slot 124B (defined by second flange 122B and numbered only inFIG. 3B) herein. The slot 124A and 124B has an elongate extent(sometimes referred to herein as a length or longitudinal extent) alongthe longitudinal axis LA and has a width in other directions including atransverse direction to the longitudinal axis LA. The first slot 124Aand the second slot 124B can be sized and shaped to receive the cam pin118 (FIGS. 1A and 2 ) with the cam pin 118 being moveable such as alongthe longitudinal axis LA as previously illustrated and discussed.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first flange 122A defines a firstaperture 134A and the second flange 122B defines a second aperture 134B.The first aperture 134A can be spaced from the first slot 124A adistance along the longitudinal axis LA. The first aperture 134A can becloser to, or farther from, the body 126 than the first slot 124A, forexample. Similarly, the second aperture 134B can be spaced from thesecond slot 124B a distance along the longitudinal axis LA. The secondaperture 134B can be closer to, of farther from, the body 126 than thesecond slot 124B, for example. The first aperture 134A and the secondaperture 134B are configured to receive the pivot pin 114 (FIGS. 1A and2 ) as previously discussed and illustrated.

FIG. 4A shows a portion of a jaw 112A′ modified from the jaw 112Apreviously described. In particular, a first slot 124A′ of the firstflange 122A can be offset from the second slot 124B′ of the secondflange 122B. This offset can be a distance in a direction transverse tothe longitudinal axis LA, for example. The distance of the offset can beabout the longitudinal axis LA but is not necessarily in a directionaxially along the longitudinal axis LA. Thus, the offset can be in aplane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA with the plane having noextent along the longitudinal axis LA (i.e. the offset can be in alateral direction having no extent proximal or distal along the jaw112A′). This offset can be in a direction transverse to the body 126(FIG. 3B) or an edge of the body 126, for example. Put another way, afirst longitudinal edge 150 of the first flange 122A that defines afirst side of first slot 124A′ can be positioned asymmetrically relativeto the longitudinal axis LA as compared with a corresponding thirdlongitudinal edge 154 (shown in FIG. 4B) of the second flange 122B thatdefines a first side of the second slot 124B′. Similarly, a secondlongitudinal edge 152 of the first flange 122A that defines a secondside (opposing the first side) of first slot 124A′ can be positionedasymmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis LA as compared with acorresponding fourth longitudinal edge 156 (shown in FIG. 4B) of thesecond flange 122B that defines a second side of the second slot 124B′It should be noted that in the example of FIG. 4A, the first slot 124A′and the second slot 124B′ can have a same size and shape (e.g. samegeometry of an elongate extent and width) but each can have a differentpositioning relative to the longitudinal axis LA. In some examples, bothof the first slot 124A′ and the second slot 124B′ can be offset thedistance transverse to the longitudinal axis LA.

FIG. 4B shows an opposing side of the jaw 112A′ from the view providedin FIG. 4A such that flange 122B is mainly visible. As with FIG. 4A, thefirst slot 124A′ of the first flange 122A (only partially visible inFIG. 4B and with portions indicated in phantom) can be offset aspreviously described with regard to FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A schematically illustrates the jaw 112A′ with at least one of thefirst flange 122A and the second flange 122B having the offsetpreviously discussed. In particular the second flange 122B with cam slot124B′ can be provided with the offset of a distance D1. This distance D1can be between the first slot 124A′ and the second slot 124B′ and can berelative to the longitudinal axis LA. The offset can be the distance D1relative to an axis 140 and in a plane transverse to and intersectingwith the longitudinal axis LA as indicated in FIG. 5A. The axis 140 canbe arranged entirely lateral to the longitudinal axis LA such that theaxis 140 has substantially little or no proximal/distal extent along thelongitudinal axis LA and relative to the first flange 122A and thesecond flange 122B. Put another way, a centerline axis 142 of the secondcam slot 124B′ can be offset the distance D1 in a direction that istransverse to the longitudinal axis LA. The centerline axis 142 of thesecond cam slot 142 can be offset from a longitudinal axis 144 of thecam pin 118 as further illustrated in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 5B illustrates the cam pin 118 positioned within the jaw 112A′ in aschematic manner. As a result of the offset of the second slot 124B′,the longitudinal axis 144 of the cam pin 118 can be offset within thefirst slot 124A′ and the second slot 124B′ such as in the mannerillustrated. This offset can be in a direction transverse to thelongitudinal axis LA. The offset can be the same as the total amount ofgap on a side. However, according to other examples, the offset distanceD1 can be one of more or less than the gap on a side.

As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the configuration of the first flange 122Aand the second flange 122B with the offset of at least the second slot124B′ can cause the cam pin 118 to be spaced from the first longitudinaledge 150 of the first flange 122A that defines the first side of thefirst slot 124A′ by a gap. The cam pin 118 can contact the secondlongitudinal edge 152 of the second flange 122B that defines a secondopposing side of the first slot 124A′. Similarly, the cam pin 118 can bespaced from the third longitudinal edge 154 of the second flange 122Bthat defines the first side of the second slot 124B′ by a gap. The campin 118 can contact the fourth longitudinal edge 156 of the secondflange 122B that defines the second opposing side of the second slot124B′. Contact between the cam pin 118 and the edge 152 and the cam pin118 and the edge 156 can reduce play and wobble of the jaw 112A′. Thecam pin 118 can still move within the first slot 124A′ and the secondslot 124B′ into or out of the page of view because of the clearancebetween the cam pin 118 and the first longitudinal edge 150 and cam pin118 the third longitudinal edge 154.

As used herein the term, “centerline axis” connotes an axis that ispositioned equidistant from the first side and the second side of thefirst slot 124A′ and/or the second slot 124B′. Thus, the centerline axis142 can be equidistant from the third longitudinal edge 154 of thesecond flange 122B and the fourth longitudinal edge 156 of the secondflange 122B.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a jaw 112A″ according to another example. Inthe example of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the jaw 112A″ can be constructed in themanner of the jaw 112A′ previously described save that only a portion ofa longitudinal extent of a cam slot 124A″ of the first flange 122Aand/or the cam slot 124B″ of the second flange 122B can be offsetrelative to the longitudinal axis LA and/or one another. Theconfiguration of FIGS. 6A and 6B can cause the cam pin to drag on thecam slot through less than the full travel of the cam pin within theslots 124A″ and 124B″. Put another way, the configuration of FIGS. 6Aand 6B (and that of FIGS. 5A and 5B) can increase the interferencebetween the pin and slot and thereby can increase the stability of thejaw. This can be beneficial because as the jaws close, contact forcesrise and therefore drag forces rise too. Thus, the present embodimentrecognizes a possible benefit for reduced drag forces nearing jawclosure but can provide for stability/reduced wobble when the jaw(s) areat or nearing a fully open position.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the cam slots 124A″ and 124B″ can bemisaligned (e.g., offset in a direction perpendicular to the LA of thejaw(s)) for a portion and aligned for a portion of their longitudinalextent. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the portion of the cam slots 124A″ and 124B″related to pin movement near jaw closure can be at a proximal portion ofthe cam slot 124A″ and 124B″. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the slot124A″ and 124B″ in this area can be aligned or substantially aligned forthis proximal portion. The portion of the slots 124A″ and 124B″ relatedto pin movement near jaw opening can be at an opposing distal portion ofthe cam slots 124A″ and 124B″ and the slots 124A″ and 124B″ can bemisaligned for this distal portion. For the proximal portion of theslots 124A″ and 124A″ having alignment, the configuration of the flangesand slots can correspond to the arrangement previously described inFIGS. 1-3B. For the distal portion of the slots 124A″ and 124B″ theconfiguration can correspond to the arrangement of FIGS. 4A-5B, forexample.

FIG. 7 shows a jaw 212A according to another example. The jaw 212A caninclude a first slot 224A of a first flange 222A and a second slot 224Bof a second flange 222B. The first flange 222A can have a first aperture234A and the second flange 222B can have a second aperture 234B. Thefirst aperture 234A and the second aperture 234B can be constructed inthe manner of the first aperture 134A and the second aperture 134Bdescribed previously. As such, the first aperture 234A and the secondaperture 234B can be configured to receive the pivot pin 114 (FIGS. 1Aand 2 ) as previously discussed and illustrated. However, with theexample of FIG. 7 , the first aperture 234A can be offset a distancefrom the second aperture 234B. This offset can be a distance in adirection transverse to the longitudinal axis LA, for example. It shouldbe noted that in the example of FIG. 7 , the first aperture 234A and thesecond aperture 234B can have a same size (e.g. same diameter) but eachcan have a different positioning relative to the longitudinal axis LA.

FIG. 7A schematically illustrates the jaw 212A with the first flange222A and the second flange 222B having the offset of the distance D2between at least one of the first aperture 234A and the second aperture234B and relative to an axis transverse to an intersecting thelongitudinal axis LA. The offset can be the distance D2 measured from acenterline axis 242 of the aperture 234B, for example, relative to anaxis 240 transverse to the longitudinal axis LA as indicated in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 7B illustrates the pivot pin 114 positioned within the jaw 212A ina schematic manner. As a result of the offset/misalignment of firstaperture 234A and/or the second aperture 234B, even though the pivot pin114 can be square with the outer shaft 106, because the because thepivot bores 234A and 234B are misaligned, the jaw 212A sits tilted,askew on the pivot pin 114. Even though the cam slots 224A and 224B canbe aligned with each other, they are not aligned with the cam pin 118,which can be positioned parallel with the pivot pin 114. As such, anedge 252 of the cam slot 224A interacts/contacts the cam pin 118 (but anopposing edge 250 of the cam slot 224A is spaced from the cam pin 118)while a third longitudinal edge of the cam slot 224B interacts/contactsthe cam pin 118 (but an opposing fourth longitudinal edge of the camslot 224B can be spaced from the cam pin 118). Put another way, the campin 118 can be positioned within the jaw 212A and can be moveablyreceived by the first slot 224A and the second slot 224B but can bestabilized by interaction with the edges 252 and 254 of the cam slot224A and 224B much in the manner of the arrangements previouslydescribed in FIGS. 4A-6B.

FIGS. 8A-8B provide an example of a jaw 312A that utilizes journals 302Aand 302B. Rather than having a first flange 322A and second flange 322Bconfigured in a different manner from one another with either an offsetfirst aperture relative to a second aperture or an offset first slotrelative to a second slot, the first flange 322A and second flange 322Bhave substantially a same shape as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show the journals 302A and 302B can be configured in adifferent manner from one another to provide an offset/misalignment.More particularly, FIG. 8A shows the apertures 304A and/or 304B of thejournals 302A and 302B can be configured to provide the offset of adistance D3 between a central axis of the first aperture 304A and thesecond aperture 304B and relative to and along the longitudinal axis LA.The distance D3 of the offset can be relative to and along an axis 340transverse to the longitudinal axis LA as indicated in FIG. 8A. Itshould be noted that although the journals 302A and 302B are illustratedbeing used with the first aperture 334A and a second aperture 334B,respectively, in FIGS. 8A and 8B. However, according to other examplesjournals, bearing, liners or the like, can be utilized with the firstand second slots in a similar manner as those illustrated previously.

FIG. 9 illustrates in a schematic manner a jaw 412A configured with thecam pin 118 misaligned (e.g., angled) relative to the pivot pin 114.This angle can be measured in the plane that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis LA. With the arrangement of FIG. 9 , the pins 114, 118can be angled by having the cam pin 118 askew from a plane perpendicularto the longitudinal axis LA along the length or a portion of the lengthof the longitudinal axis LA. This arrangement should be contrasted tothat of FIGS. 1A-2A where the pivot pin 114 and the cam pin 118 arearranged parallel with one another. Put another way, the flanges 422Aand 422B of the jaw 412A can be configured in the manner of the flanges122A and 122B previously described to mirror one another. Thus, theapertures 434A and 434B and the slots 424A and 424B can be of the sameconfiguration, arrangement etc. as those of the apertures 134A and 134Band slots 124A and 124B as previously described. Thus, the features onthe first flange 422A of the jaw 412A (including the pivot bore and thecam slot) can be aligned with the features on the second flange 422B ofthe jaw 412A (including the pivot bore and the cam slot, respectively)relative to the longitudinal axis LA of the jaw 412A. Suchmisalignment/angulation can be a performed by the inner shaft 116 (FIG.1A), which could be clocked or otherwise oriented inside the outer shaft104 (FIG. 1A).

However, in the arrangement of FIG. 9 , the cam pin 118 has beenangled/tilted by an angle θ relative to the pivot pin 114. As a resultof such arrangement, the cam pin 118 can misaligned to the cam slots424A and 424B such that play is consumed. Thus, as shown in FIG. 9 , themisalignment of the cam pin 118 relative to the pivot pin 114 can causethe cam pin 118 to contact a first longitudinal edge 450 of the firstflange 422A that defines a first side of first slot 424A. The cam pin118 can be spaced from a second longitudinal edge 452 of the firstflange 422A that defines a second side (opposing the first side) of thefirst slot 424A by a gap. Similarly, the cam pin 118 can be spaced froma third longitudinal edge 454 of the second flange 422B that defines afirst side of the second slot 424B by a gap. The cam pin 118 can contacta fourth longitudinal edge 456 of the second flange 422B that defines asecond opposing side of the second slot 424B. Contact between the campin 118 and the edge 450 and the cam pin 118 and the edge 456 can reduceplay and wobble of the jaw 412A. The cam pin 118 can still move withinthe first slot 424A and the second slot 424B because of the clearancebetween the cam pin 118 and the second longitudinal edge 452 and cam pin118 the third longitudinal edge 454. Put another way, the configurationof FIG. 9 can result in a longitudinal axis 442 of the cam pin 118 beingangled at the angle θ so as not to be positioned transverse to thelongitudinal axis LA. Rather, the longitudinal axis 442 can form theacute or obtuse angle θ with the longitudinal axis LA.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic arrangement utilizing a second jaw 512B inaddition to the first jaw 512A. Such use of two jaws was previouslyillustrated with the example of FIGS. 1-2 . As shown in FIG. 10 , thefirst jaw 512A can be arranged within or adjacent a second jaw 512B. Thefirst jaw 512A can include a first flange 522A and a second flange 522Bhaving one of the configurations previously discussed and illustrated.For example, the first flange 522A and the second flange 522B can havean offset between a first slot 524A and/or a second slot 524B relativeto an axis 540A transverse to and intersecting a longitudinal axis LAsuch as was the case with the examples of FIGS. 4A-6B previouslydescribed herein. The second jaw 512B can include a third flange 522Cand a fourth flange 522D. The third flange 522C and the fourth flange522D can have an offset between a third slot 524C and/or a fourth slot524D relative to an axis 540B transverse to and intersecting alongitudinal axis LA of the first jaw 512A and the second jaw 512B. Asshown in FIG. 10 , the third flange 522C and the fourth flange 522D canbe configured such that a longitudinal axis of the cam pin 118 can beoffset from the axis transverse 540B transverse to the longitudinal axisLA. Similarly, the first flange 522A and the second flange 522B can beconfigured such that the longitudinal axis of the cam pin 118 can beoffset from the axis 540A transverse to the longitudinal axis LA. Theaxes 540A and 540B can be parallel to one another and can align in someconfigurations.

As shown in FIG. 10 , the third flange 522C can be coupled to and formpart of the second jaw 512B. The third flange 522C can be arranged toextend substantially parallel to the first flange 522A. The fourthflange 522D can be spaced from the third flange a distance and can becoupled to and form part of the second jaw 512B. The fourth flange 522Dcan be arranged to extend substantially parallel to the second flange522B. The cam pin 118 can be moveably secured within the first cam slot324A and the second cam slot 324B and further the third cam slot 324Cand the fourth cam slot 324D. A diameter of the cam pin 118 can be lessthan a width of both the third cam slot 324C and the fourth cam slot324D so as to be received by both the third cam slot 324C and the fourthcam slot 324D. Additionally, as was discussed previously, the diameterof the cam pin 118 can be less than a width (as measured betweenopposing sides) of the first cam slot 324A and the second cam slot 324B.

The configuration of the first flange 522A, the second flange 522B, thethird flange 522C and the fourth flange 522D with the offsets discussedabove relative to the axes 540A and 540B transverse to the longitudinalaxis LA of the first jaw 512A and second jaw 512B can position the campin 118 can be spaced from (i.e. have clearance relative to) a firstlongitudinal edge 550 of the first flange 522A and the third flange 522Cthat define a first side of the first slot 524A and the third slot 524Cby a gap. The cam pin 118 can be in contact with a second longitudinaledge 552 of the first flange 522A and the third flange 522C that definean opposing second side of the first slot 524A and the third slot 524C.Similarly, the cam pin 118 can be in contact with a third longitudinaledge 554 of the second flange 522B and the fourth flange 522D thatdefine a first side of the second slot 524B and the fourth slot 524D.The cam pin 118 can be spaced from a fourth longitudinal edge 556 of thesecond flange 522B and the fourth flange 522D that define a secondopposing side of the second slot 524B and the fourth slot 524D by a gap.Contact between the cam pin 118 and the second longitudinal edge 552 andthe cam pin 118 and the third longitudinal edge 554 can reduce play andwobble of the jaws 512A and 512B as previously described.

Various Notes

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawingsshow, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred toherein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition tothose shown or described. However, the present inventor alsocontemplates examples in which only those elements shown or describedare provided. Moreover, the present inventor also contemplates examplesusing any combination or permutation of those elements shown ordescribed (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to aparticular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect toother examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or describedherein.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one, independent of any otherinstances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In thisdocument, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unlessotherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “inwhich” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms“comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms“including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device,article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements inaddition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemedto fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the followingclaims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merelyas labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements ontheir objects.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or moreaspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Otherembodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to complywith 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain thenature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with theunderstanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scopeor meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description,various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure.This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosedfeature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter maylie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment.Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on itsown as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that suchembodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations orpermutations. The scope of the invention should be determined withreference to the appended claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical device comprising: a first jaw havinga longitudinal axis, the first jaw comprising: a body portion; a firstflange coupled to the body portion and defining a first cam slot with alongitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis, the first cam slotincluding a first longitudinal edge; a second flange coupled to the bodyportion and spaced from the first flange a distance transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the first jaw, wherein the second flange has asecond cam slot with a longitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis,the second cam slot including a first longitudinal edge; and a cam pinmoveably secured within the first cam slot and the second cam slot,wherein the cam pin has an increased contact force against the firstlongitudinal edge of the first cam slot and the first longitudinal edgeof the second cam slot along a first portion of the first and second camslots and a decreased contact force against the first longitudinal edgeof the first cam slot and the first longitudinal edge of the second camslot along a second portion of the first and second cam slots; whereinthe cam pin is moveably driven back and forth along the longitudinalextent of the first cam slot and the second cam slot with an intentionalmisalignment of the first cam slot relative to the second cam slotoccurring along the first portion of the first and second cam slots. 2.The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the cam pin is spaced from asecond longitudinal edge of the first cam slot along the first portionof the first cam slot, and wherein the cam pin is spaced from a secondlongitudinal edge of the second cam slot along the first portion of thesecond cam slot.
 3. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the cam pinis positioned relative to the first flange and the second flange suchthat a longitudinal axis of the cam pin is one of offset from or angledrelative to an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of first jaw.4. The surgical device of claim 3, wherein the first flange isconfigured to offset at least a portion of the first cam slot in a firstdirection relative to an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ofthe first jaw, and wherein the second flange is configured to offset atleast a portion of the second cam slot in a second direction, oppositethe first direction, relative to an axis perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the first jaw.
 5. The surgical device of claim 1,wherein the first flange has a first aperture spaced from the first camslot and the second flange has a second aperture spaced from the secondcam slot, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture areconfigured to receive a pivot pin that defines a pivot axis for thefirst jaw to pivot between a first position and a second position, andwherein the first aperture is offset relative to the second aperture bya distance in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis ofthe first jaw.
 6. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the firstflange has a first aperture spaced from the first cam slot and thesecond flange has a second aperture spaced from the second cam slot,wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are configured toreceive a pivot pin that defines a pivot axis for the first jaw to pivotbetween a first position and a second position, and wherein the pivotaxis is arranged at a non-parallel orientation with respect to thelongitudinal axis of the cam pin.
 7. The surgical device of claim 1,further comprising a second jaw, wherein the second jaw has a thirdflange and a fourth flange that are positioned within and generallyparallel with the first flange and the second flange, respectively,wherein the third flange includes a third cam slot and the fourth flangeincludes a fourth cam slot, wherein the cam pin is moveably secured inthe third cam slot and the fourth cam slot.
 8. The surgical device ofclaim 7, further comprising: a handpiece configured with one or moreactuators; a tube coupled to the first and second jaws via a pivot pinthat defines a pivot axis for the first jaw about the first flange andthe second flange and the second jaw about the third flange and thefourth flange; and a shaft arranged inward of the tube, wherein theshaft is configured to move the cam pin back and forth within the firstcam slot, the second cam slot, the third cam slot and the fourth camslot to drive the first and second jaws between an open position and aclosed position.
 9. A surgical device comprising: a first jaw having alongitudinal axis; a first flange coupled to the first jaw and having afirst cam slot and a first aperture spaced from the first cam slot; asecond flange spaced from the first flange by a distance and coupled tothe first jaw, wherein the second flange has a second cam slot and asecond aperture spaced from the second cam slot; and a cam pin moveablysecured within the first cam slot and the second cam slot; wherein thefirst flange has a different configuration than the second flange withregard to at least one of a shape or a position of the first cam slotwith respect to a shape or a position of the second cam slot andrelative to the longitudinal axis of the first jaw, wherein thedifferent configuration of the first flange relative to the secondflange and relative to the longitudinal axis creates an intentionalmisalignment of the first cam slot relative to the second cam slot thatresults in an increased contact force between the cam pin and a firstedge of the first flange for at least a portion of a longitudinal extentof the first cam slot and a first edge of the second flange for at leasta portion of a longitudinal extent of the second cam slot.
 10. Thesurgical device of claim 9, wherein the cam pin is positioned relativeto the first flange and the second flange having the increased contactforce against a first longitudinal edge of the first cam slot and afirst longitudinal edge of the second cam slot along a first portion ofthe first and second cam slots and a decreased contact force against thefirst longitudinal edge of the first cam slot and the first longitudinaledge of the second cam slot along a second portion of the first andsecond cam slots.
 11. The surgical device of claim 10, wherein the campin is spaced from a second longitudinal edge of the first cam slotalong the first portion of the first cam slot, and wherein the cam pinis spaced from a second longitudinal edge of the second cam slot alongthe first portion of the second cam slot.
 12. The surgical device ofclaim 9, wherein the cam pin is positioned relative to the first flangeand the second flange such that the longitudinal axis of the cam pin isone of offset from or angled relative to an axis perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the first jaw.
 13. The surgical device of claim 9,wherein the first flange is configured to offset at least a portion ofthe first cam slot in a first direction relative to an axisperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first jaw and the secondflange, and wherein the second flange is configured to offset at least aportion of the second cam slot in a second direction, opposite the firstdirection, relative to an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ofthe first jaw.
 14. A surgical device comprising: a first jaw having alongitudinal axis, the first jaw having a first cam slot with alongitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis; a second jaw; and a campin moveably secured within the first cam slot and having a longitudinalaxis with the cam pin positioned relative to the first jaw such anintentional interference between the cam pin and the first jaw in thefirst cam slot is created toward and to a jaw closed position for thefirst jaw relative to the second jaw, the intentional interferencebetween the cam pin and the first jaw reduces a wobble of the first jawtoward and to the jaw closed position, wherein a centerline axis of thefirst cam slot is one of angled or offset relative to the longitudinalaxis of the cam pin such that the cam pin is misaligned with the firstcam slot to create the intentional interference between the cam pin andthe first jaw.
 15. The surgical device of claim 14, wherein, with thefirst jaw pivoted to at least a first position and the cam pin isreceived in the first cam slot with the cam pin spaced from a first edgeof the first jaw that defines a first side of the first cam slot butcontacts a second edge of the first jaw that defines a second side ofthe first cam slot.
 16. The surgical device of claim 14, wherein thefirst jaw has a first aperture spaced from the first cam slot, whereinthe first aperture is configured to receive a pivot pin that defines apivot axis for the first jaw to pivot between a first position and asecond position, and wherein the pivot axis is oriented at anon-parallel orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis of thecam pin so as to create the intentional interference between the cam pinand the first jaw.
 17. The surgical device of claim 14, wherein thefirst jaw comprises: a body portion; a first flange coupled to the bodyportion and defining the first cam slot with a longitudinal extent alongthe longitudinal axis; and a second flange coupled to the body portionand spaced from the first flange a distance transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the first jaw, wherein the second flange defines asecond cam slot with a longitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis;and the cam pin is moveably secured within the first cam slot and thesecond cam slot, wherein the cam pin is positioned relative to the firstflange such that a centerline axis of the second cam slot is angledrelative to the longitudinal axis of the cam pin such that the cam pinis misaligned with the second cam slot to create the intentionalinterference between the cam pin and the first jaw.